Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United: Preview, Prediction and Betting Odds

With Nuno Espírito Santo still at the helm, Nottingham Forest play host to West Ham United at the City Ground in Sunday’s Premier League showdown.

Working towards West Ham. 💪 pic.twitter.com/7ykgVAjUpR
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 28, 2025

The Tricky Trees remain unbeaten after the opening two matchweeks of the campaign, whereas the Irons have endured their worst start to a top-flight season in over 70 years.

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United Preview

Some theorised that last weekend’s trip to Crystal Palace may have been Espírito Santo’s final act in the Forest dugout, with tensions between the head coach and president Evangelos Marinakis continuing to simmer. Yet the Portuguese’s players blocked out the off-field noise to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, where Callum Hudson-Odoi cancelled out Ismaila Sarr’s opener.

Now, Forest chase a historic milestone: winning both of their opening two home games in a Premier League season for the very first time. However, Santo’s men must also address their leaky defence, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 10 league outings – only Fulham (11) are on a longer run.

As for West Ham, pressure is mounting on Graham Potter after a dreadful beginning to the campaign. A 3-1 defeat to newly promoted Sunderland on opening day was followed by a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea, and their EFL Cup elimination to Wolves (3-2) compounded the misery. To make matters worse, captain Jarrod Bowen’s heated exchange with a supporter added fuel to the fire.

Since Potter’s appointment in January, West Ham have collected just 20 Premier League points – the fewest of any team in that span. Their record against Forest is equally damning: three straight league defeats, and no goals scored at the City Ground in the top flight since 1996

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United Over/Under Predictions

Over/Under	Odds
Over 1.5 Goals	-355
Under 1.5 Goals	+270
Over 2.5 Goals	-106
Under 2.5 Goals	-114
Over 3.5 Goals	+240
Under 3.5 Goals	-310
Over 4.5 Goals	+590
Under 4.5 Goals	-950

Odds via FanDuel

The markets suggest a balanced contest, with the odds for over/under 2.5 goals virtually even. While West Ham’s defence has been vulnerable, Forest’s clean-sheet issues also point to goals being likely at both ends.

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United Team Goals Odds

Pick	Odds
Nottingham Forest to Score No Goals	+440
Nottingham Forest to Score 1 Goal	+190
Nottingham Forest to Score 2 Goals	+210
Nottingham Forest to Score 3 Goals	+480
Nottingham Forest to Score 4+ Goals	+800
West Ham to Score No Goals	+120

Odds via BetMGM

Forest are favoured to score at least once, with two goals priced as a realistic outcome. West Ham’s struggles in front of goal make a blank at the City Ground a genuine possibility.

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United First Half Goals Odds

Pick	Odds
Nottingham Forest No First Half Goals	+100
Nottingham Forest Exactly 1 First Half Goal	+140
Nottingham Forest 2+ First Half Goals	+390
West Ham No First Half Goals	-250
West Ham Exactly 1 First Half Goal	+220
West Ham 2+ First Half Goals	+1300

Odds via FanDuel

The first-half markets lean heavily against a fast start for West Ham, with no early goals from the visitors the likeliest outcome. Forest, however, carry a stronger chance of breaking the deadlock before the interval.

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United Final Scoreline Prediction

Forest’s solid start and West Ham’s historically poor form create a clear narrative heading into this clash. Santo’s men look better placed to continue their unbeaten run, especially given the Hammers’ long-standing struggles at the City Ground.

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Final Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 West Ham United

Bettors can weigh up over/under markets, team goal options, and halftime bets, with Forest tipped to deepen West Ham’s early-season woes in front of their home crowd.